A 1997 letter from Armenia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the Human Rights Watch (HRW) organization accused Azerbaijani forces of having "prevented the exodus of the local population through the mountain passages specifically left open by Karabakh Armenians" and "shot those who attempted to flee."

HRW said it places "direct responsibility for the civilian deaths with Karabakh Armenian forces."

WATCH: What triggered the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh (25:00)

'Genocide' motion

Last week, the Dutch parliament passed a motion backing the Armenian viewpoint on the 1915 events with 142 votes in favour.

"The genocide [allegation] is the occupation of ignoble people. The committer of genocides is the common name of Turkophobes." Bahceli said.

Turkish historians hold that the deaths in 1915 occurred after some Armenians sided with invading Russians and revolted against Ottoman forces. A subsequent relocation of Armenians resulted in numerous casualties.

Turkey acknowledges there were casualties on both sides during World War I, and sees the 1915 events as a tragedy for both sides.